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Turkey and Ham Croquettes
© David Loftus

Turkey and Ham Croquettes

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: Makes 3 dozen
  • •HEALTHY

These divinely old-fashioned croquettes are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The mixture needs to be chilled for at least 6 hours before being fried.

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  1. 2 cups milk
  2. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  3. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus 1/2 cup for dredging
  4. 1 cup finely chopped cooked turkey (4 ounces)
  5. 3 ounces Serrano ham, trimmed and finely chopped (1/2 cup)
  6. Freshly ground white pepper
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup dry bread crumbs
  9. Pure olive oil, for frying
  1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until bubbles appear around the edge. In a heavy medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add 1/2 cup of the flour and cook over moderate heat, whisking constantly, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the hot milk, 1/3 cup at a time, whisking vigorously, until smooth. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the turkey and ham and remove from the heat. Season the mixture with white pepper; the ham will provide enough saltiness.
  2. Spread the mixture in an 8-inch-square baking dish, and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface. Refrigerate until chilled and semifirm, at least 6 hours or overnight.
  3. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of flour into a bowl. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Pour the bread crumbs into a third bowl. Remove the plastic wrap from the mixture and cut into 36 squares. Using floured hands, dip 1 square into the flour and roll into a soft ball. Coat the ball with beaten egg and then bread crumbs. Set the croquette on a tray lined with wax paper. Repeat with the remaining squares. Refrigerate the croquettes for at least 1 hour to firm them up.
  4. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 1/2 inches of olive oil to 350°. Fry the croquettes in batches without crowding until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Reheat the oil between batches and remove any stray crumbs. Serve the croquettes warm.
Notes One Serving Calories 240 kcal, Total Fat 20 gm, Saturated Fat 4 gm